Distracted Drivers

Let's face it: it is all too common for drivers to focus on something other than safely operating their vehicle.

Drivers are texting on their cell phones, and sending and reading emails on their Blackberries, iPhones, and other smart phones.

Lost or just planning a route, drivers look up directions on a GPS, car navigational system, or mapping software on their cell phone like Google Maps or Verizon Navigator.

Wanting to change music, drivers scroll through options on their iPod or iPhone, or flip through a pile of CDs.

Drivers scan the roadside for restaurants or shops nearby, taking their eyes off the roadway and cars ahead.

With passengers on board, drivers turn to talk, or to pick up a toy for a child in the backseat.

Drivers take their hands off the wheel to change clothes, open a sealed container, or eat and drink food.

Each of those drivers is ignoring their primary responsibilities on the roadway, which is to be safe and to avoid an accident. The first priority of every truck, bus, motorcycle and car driver must be paying attention at all times and taking any appropriate steps to protect themselves, their passengers, other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The law is clear: every driver has a responsibility to keep a lookout for other vehicles and dangers, and to use reasonable care to avoid an accident. Under Tennessee Code Annotated sec. 55-8-136, all drivers are required to use due care at all times, and regardless of the road signs, to stay within a safe speed and keep proper control over the vehicle. It is specifically illegal to send or read text messages and emails on a smart phone while driving a moving car or truck. Broader than that, however, the law says unequivocally that a driver’s job is “devoting full time and attention to operating the vehicle....” Tennessee Code Annotated sec. 55-8-136.

Teenagers are prohibited from using a cell phone at all while driving, except in emergencies. Tennessee Code Annotated sec. 55-50-311(n). When teenage drivers apply for a Tennessee license, a parent or other responsible adult has to sign an affidavit. An adult who signs the affidavit is taking full legal responsibility for the teenager’s driving, and is legally responsible if the teenage driver negligently injures someone else.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you need one of our experienced attorneys fighting to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, permanent impairments (if any), scarring (if any) and other damages. We have recovered more than $100 million dollars for our satisfied clients and we are here to help you and your family too. Contact us online or call us anytime at 615-742-4880 or toll-free at 866-812-8787 for a free, no-obligation consultation in which we will thoroughly discuss your case and advise you of your rights. We advance all case expenses and we only get paid if we recover money for you.

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